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I was told that there was a thread a while back about this, but I didn't know how far back. I was curious to know what everyone pays for their make up artists? For those that only apply make up before you open your shows, what type of pay scale is usually expected?

For 20 dollars a night, you couldnt get me to stop laughing long enough to put makeup on anyone.....
Now for the record allow me to throw this out there.... FX MAKEUP can make or break a show, Ive said it before, for any shows that do not pay their artists what they are worth.................. PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFT

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It seems pay would depend on the quailty of work and length of time that the artist works. For example, a beginner artist who just throws a little latex on the people and maybe some basic grease makeup and blood and is there for 1-2 hours before the haunt opens should not expect to be paid much. However, If you get a top notch artist who is busting thier butt for 3-4 hours before the doors opens and is doing some top of the line work like Geoff Beck or Jason from Bodybagging, should get paid well. If the artist is also acting at night, they should be paid for their acting AND for the makeup jobs imho....

The Last paid gig I got as a FX artist, I made 5000 for the season, during my time there I not only did the FX, I also trained the Actors to do their own FX, before the end of the season, I wasnt really needed.

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I was told that there was a thread a while back about this, but I didn't know how far back. I was curious to know what everyone pays for their make up artists? For those that only apply make up before you open your shows, what type of pay scale is usually expected?

Thank you,
Darkangel

Ultimately, it comes down to what it's worth to you as a haunt owner. What do you want your guests to see as they walk through your attraction? You could pay the kid next door to paint faces or hire a professional. If you hire a professional you need to look at his portfolio and have him/her show you in advance with a demo or two. I've seen too many people try to pass themselves off as "make up artists" after making a black eye and a burn on their arm. What are they able to bring to your attraction, just make up? Original props or masks? Fresh ideas and character designs for your scenes? A professional make up artist will, more than likely, know that a haunt isnt going to pony up what he or she may be worth but if income/work is what's needed at the time, they may just strike a deal.
You can only offer what you can offer but if you can't offer what the artist is worth, at least appreciate the work that they do. Consider yourself fortunate if you're able to even find an artist. Trust me, the wrong thing to say to your make up artist is that they are a dime a dozen :roll:
It would be interesting to see what some of these haunted attraction owners actually pay their artists.

I agree, I guess if the make up artist can prove he/she is really good it would be worth paying a little more. If they are just starting out, it would seem to be a good opportunity for them to build up some work for their portfolio I would think...
I would love to hear some more numbers from haunters....

Darkangel be sure to check references and portfolios, and then actual makeup work, I cannot tell you how many times I have seen portfolios doctored up... got to love Photoshop! and then also those guys that just straight up steal pictures of others work. When looking for a a artist find someone that is willing to teach your crew as well.........

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